At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes they put their best foot forward and did they ever make an impression ……on my body!

Believe me, I asked for it.

It is ashiatsu, Japanese for foot (ashi) and pressure (iatsu), the technique practiced for centuries by Buddhist monks in Asia . Today the “barefoot massage” has become known for its fusion of Eastern tradition and Western application.

I figured if it worked for the monks, why not me?

I’m not sure if they de-robed, but I didn’t mind…. so there I was, laying face down on the massage table with my massage therapist, Karen, ready to perform her magic. Before I could blink she had mounted the table and grabbed a pair of straps, one with each hand, hanging from parallel, wooden ceiling bars. Wow, was I in for a workout!

Using her body weight as leverage, Karen began her footwork, moving from a gentle pace to a rising crescendo in sync with my sighs of relief. Up and down my spine and lumbar region, her feet cajoled the soft tissue into submission, although it felt more like a rubber band stretching back and forth with intense resistance. It is no secret that leg muscles are much stronger than those in the arm, and feet can apply more pressure over a larger area.

It’s still amazing how those feet raced up and down my body, gliding down my outer legs with determined strokes. By the time they found my shoulders I was so deeply relaxed I slipped into a slumber, only to awaken when a heel hit a sore spot.

But the best was yet to come when Karen requested that I lay on my back for the rest of the 50-minute session. From the front of my legs to my chest and shoulders, the barefoot technique kept getting better. Behind closed eyelids, it was a classic experience that stimulated the lymphatic system, banished tension and released toxins, all of which raise physical, mental, emotional and spiritual awareness.

Just when I thought it was over, I felt the finishing touches of a facial on my ears, my cheeks, around my eyes and nose, and finally a tap on my forehead. Yes, it was Karen’s toes, not her fingers!

The spa’s motto, “First we make the world revolve around you…..then we gently slow it down” is reflected in the unique range of indulgences guests enjoy in this 40,000-square-foot haven.

For royal aspirations, the Javanese Lulur Ritual would be perfect luxury starting with a full Balinese massage, rice powder and tumeric exfoliation and yogurt moisturizer. Next is one of the most treasured spa moments I adore, a relaxing petal-infused bath, before jasmine and frangipani lotion is applied before the two-hour ritual ends.

The healing qualities of taking a bath or using hydrotherapy are practiced here according to international customs, like the Russian Czar’s Detoxifying or Sedative Bathing Rituals, Orange Spice Halawa from Turkey and New Orleans Magnolia Milk.

Of course with Florida ’s inherent fame for oranges, grapefruits and lemons, a variety of treatments incorporate citrus-infused oils and moisturizers, such as Florida Citrus Body Polish, Ruby Grapefruit Massage, Tuscan Citrus Cure and Citrus Indulgence Manicure or Pedicure. There is even a citrus consultant at the spa if you desire skincare or diet related information.

Of the 10 traditional massages, the 60-minute Steaming Stones was an ideal warm-up for my spa agenda. The Georgia lake country stones in Vicky’s hands relieved a lot of tension left over from a vacation fiasco in Mexico a month earlier. I am always fascinated by the effects of the heated stones and the expertise with which the therapist guides the strokes along the body. It was at Vicky’s suggestion that I decided to try Ashiatsu, one of the spa’s nine Eastern massages.

The Ritz-Carlton Signature Facial was a treat I think most women would agree is an indulgence we all deserve. As a frequent traveler, I make every effort to combat dehydration and environmental factors, but this facial also worked wonders to restore a healthy glow to the face, neck and décolleté. From analysis to cleansing and the gentle facial massage, Suzanne’s technique brought me total relaxation in just 60 minutes. There are seven facials, one of which is unisex (Restorative Organics) and one that is exclusively for men (Men’s Hot Towel Facial.)

This is a distinctive retreat featuring two VIP suites with four connecting treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, a sports suite and 40 treatment rooms. Dance classes include South American Salsa, Hawaiian Hula, Middle Eastern Belly Dancing and Russian Ballet. Monthly health and wellness seminars cover yoga, skincare, hair, makeup, anti-aging and sports, while a 6,000-square-foot wellness center welcomes resort guests.

Now all I have to do is book another trip, a tad longer this time, to enjoy some more pampering at The Ritz-Calton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes, and I must try to take a dip in the 4,000-square-foot private lap pool!